Hyderabad: Protests over the Andhra Pradesh government's decision to rename Konaseema district as Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district turned violent in Amalapuram on Tuesday, leaving many police personnel and demonstrators seriously injured. Several policemen were injured after protesters resorted to stone pelting and even set fire to a police vehicle and a private bus. However, no fatalities were reported.
Protesters also stormed the house of state Transport Minister Pinipe Viswaroop and set furniture on fire. The situation was brought under control after police resoted to lathi charge to disperse the protesters. Several of them were detained and dragged to the police station.
Earlier in the day, thousands of people, under the aegis of Konaseema Parirakshana Samithi, Konaseema Sadhana Samiti, Konaseema Udyama Samiti and other organisations, marched to the District Collectorate and shouted slogans against the government.
A police team was rushed to the spot and a heated exchange of words ensued between them and the protesters. As the atmosphere turned tense, a clash broke out between the two groups and soon it went out of control.
Last week, Section 144 was imposed in the Konaseema district in the wake of protests against the proposal to rename the district.
Home Minister Taneti Vanitha alleged that some political parties and anti-social elements apparently instigated the arson. "It is unfortunate that over 20 police personnel sustained injuries in the incident. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and bring the culprits to book," PTI quoted the Home Minister as saying.
On April 4, the new Konaseema district was carved out of the erstwhile East Godavari, with Amalapuram as its headquarters. Twelve other districts were also created, taking the total number of districts in the state to 26.
Last week, the government issued a preliminary notification seeking to rename Konaseema as BR Ambedkar Konaseema district and invited objections from the people.
The decision by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government came following demands from various parties, Dalit groups and public representatives to rename the district after the architect of Indian Constitution.
(With inputs from agencies)